10 Best Nintendo 64 Games, Ranked

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The Nintendo 64 arrived in 1996, bringing impressive 64-bit graphics and gameplay to players, along with a fantastic lineup of launch games. Over the next few years, Nintendo released almost 400 games for the N64, a mix of both new and established franchises. While not every game was a hit, the system boasted a large number of excellent titles. We’ve reviewed them all and picked our top ten, limiting ourselves to just one game per series.

10) Conker’s Bad Fur Day

Man, I first heard about Conker’s Bad Fur Day years after it came out on the N64 in 2001. It didn’t make a ton of money when it launched, but it’s become a total cult classic, and for good reason. This game wasn’t for kids – it’s full of crude humor, swearing, and all sorts of adult stuff, which is why it got that M rating. I guess that also meant Nintendo didn’t push it as hard as other games at the time. But honestly, that’s part of what makes it so special! I discovered it later on, and it’s seriously a blast. It’s a really fun platformer with puzzles and everything you’d expect, but the story is hilarious, Conker is a crazy character, and the whole thing just has this amazing vibe that fans, like me, absolutely love.

9) Mario Golf

Mario has appeared in many sports games, like the classic NES Open Tournament Golf, but Mario Golf for the N64, released in 1999, was the first game to truly center around him. It’s a game people love, even if they don’t enjoy traditional golf, because it’s easy to pick up and play with great controls and lots of different ways to play. Featuring familiar characters from the Mario universe and even mini-golf, Mario Golf stands out as a favorite among the many sports titles available for the N64.

8) Star Fox 64

Released as a fresh start to the series four years after the original SNES game, Star Fox 64 greatly enhanced gameplay with improved flight controls and 3D graphics thanks to the power of the Nintendo 64. It became the most popular game in the Star Fox series and was the first on the N64 to use the Rumble Pak, adding a lot to the experience. Many fans consider Star Fox 64 one of the best games in its genre, and it remains a high point for the franchise, which is still going strong.

7) Paper Mario

The Paper Mario series began in 2000 with a unique game on the Nintendo 64. It combined the classic Mario platforming with role-playing elements, creating something new for fans. Unlike other Mario games, Paper Mario featured 2D characters moving through 3D worlds, styled after traditional hand-drawn animation for a special look. The original game was a hit with critics, who loved its fresh take on RPGs, and it launched a successful series that continues today, with a remake of the second game, The Thousand-Year Door, releasing on Nintendo Switch in 2024.

6) Star Wars Episode I: Racer

Movie-based video games are often disappointing, but the Nintendo 64 had a few gems, including its best-selling sports game, Star Wars Episode I: Racer. Released in 1999 with Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the game lets you experience the thrilling podracing action from the film. Its realistic physics make you feel like you’re actually racing a podracer alongside Anakin Skywalker. The game was a huge hit, appearing on many consoles, but the N64 version is considered the best. With over 3.12 million copies sold, Star Wars Episode I: Racer remains the best-selling sci-fi racing game ever.

5) Banjo-Kazooie

Released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64, Banjo-Kazooie quickly became a beloved platforming franchise. The game follows Banjo the bear and his bird friend, Kazooie, as they journey through nine different worlds to rescue Banjo’s sister from an evil witch. The team that previously created Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest also developed Banjo-Kazooie, and their signature style is evident throughout. It was a commercial success and is still considered one of the best platformers of its time, despite having only four sequels, the most recent of which came out in 2008.

4) Super Mario 64

Released alongside Pilotwings 64, Super Mario 64 is a defining game for the Nintendo 64. It completely reimagined the Mario experience, moving him from side-scrolling levels into a large, open 3D world. This innovative approach not only set a new direction for future Mario games, but it’s also widely considered one of the greatest video games of all time.

3) Perfect Dark

When it comes to first-person shooters on the Nintendo 64, Perfect Dark is definitely among the very best. Players take on the role of Joanna Dark, a skilled agent tasked with uncovering and stopping an alien plot. The game was incredibly advanced for its time, needing the Expansion Pak to play the main story and most multiplayer modes. It received rave reviews and was a commercial success, leading to plans for a sequel. Sadly, a remake that was in development was cancelled in 2025. Luckily, the original Perfect Dark is still available to play through Nintendo Switch Online.

2) GoldenEye 007

Look, I love Perfect Dark, but let’s be real – GoldenEye 007 is where it all started. Even though it was based on a movie, it was a seriously amazing game and a huge step up from other shooters at the time. Honestly, GoldenEye basically set the rules for modern FPS games – so much of what we expect in shooters today, it pioneered. I spent countless hours playing the campaign and the multiplayer with friends. It’s easily one of the best games on the N64, and one of the greatest FPS games of all time, which is why they keep bringing it back with remakes and re-releases!

1) The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

The Nintendo 64 featured two legendary Zelda games: Ocarina of Time and its sequel, Majora’s Mask. Choosing between them was incredibly difficult, but we ultimately selected Ocarina of Time as the slightly better of the two. It was a masterpiece of gameplay, sound, graphics, and storytelling, creating a truly beautiful experience that still holds up today, even decades later. Ocarina of Time sold over seven million copies on the N64 and has since been re-released on every Nintendo console. An enhanced 3D version even came out for the Nintendo 3DS in 2011, and the game continues to be beloved by fans.

What’s your top Nintendo 64 game? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-12 23:45